Tension-breaker, had to be done: Best and worst fictional high schools of the '80s

Was your high school more like Ridgemont or San Dimas? Maybe you felt you were a mirror image of those hellish days at Westerburg High. Or maybe you had a Robin Williams type of teacher try to force you to love poetry at the real world equivalent of Whelton Academy for Boys. At least you weren't on the football team at Central High with Goldie Hawn as your head coach. (But good news, you'll win the big game against Prescott!)

As school starts up around the country again and a whole new generation of Spicolis head back to class, this seems like a good time to honor the best and worst fictional high schools of the '80s. Thanks to all our friends who made suggestions for today's list. (Pouring a milk box out for my homies at Countryside High School, Class of 1985.)

TOP 5 FICTIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS OF THE '80s:

1. OCEAN FRONT HIGH (Summer School)Pros: World's coolest gym teacher; field trips to amusement parks.Cons: Must work with Kirstie Alley.

About this blog

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times correspondent Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to big hair.